Stiff Knee Advice Please

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Morning Peggy:

So sorry to hear about your struggles with your foot and your pt.  It is enough that you have problems that seem to offer no explanation, but to top it off, to have a pt that does not understand your situation and respect what the doctor orders is terrible.  I feel for you Peggy, it has been such a long row to recovery and you are the only one who has to go through it, not the pt.  You know your body best and also its limitations.  You also know the drill about trying hard so you make progress....blah, blah, blah.  Meanwhile, you will pay for it if you do not listen to your body and do what you know feels right for your own unique situation, regardless of what others will say.  Your pt has a model to maintain of getting you better if it means making you work to the limit...what seems will work for most may not work for others though.  And, we know this all too well.  I trust that you know what is best and with all of the troubles you have had, I would be exactly the same as you hands down!

Please keep me posted what the doctors say on Tuesday.  There has to be an explanation of why you are breaking bones in your foot, how to avoid this and what you should do to prevent more of this from happening.  Also, it would be nice for them to write a rx that specfically reminds the pt what you can and cannot do to avoid more breaks, problems and to make he/she realize how your case is different considering your diabetes.  I am rooting for you and am glad I can be of some comfort, encouragement and support to you.  It makes me feel good to do this and I am praying that things will get better!  And, they will...just in a slower time frame than what you would like.  We are both going through some sort of after effect from our fractured patellas and we both know that they will never be the same in all likelihood.  But, I am happy to be able to walk and hope that things get better.  The swelling and inability to ascend/descend stairs remains a problem, but in time hopefully they will to resolve themselves.


Yes, I can see you are ready to pull your hair out!  You must be at wits end and you need to let out a good scream once and awhile.  It does get old having to cope with a knee problem that continues along with other chronic health problems.  The only thing you can do is take a deep breath, relax and gather your senses to go forward.  But, you do have something to look forward to and that is having your family with you soon.  Maureen can help out with everything as it will be a nice break for her to just get away from home.  You can enjoy the kids without too much effort because she can do that and still be happy being there.  You can still do the things you'd planned to do but just do them a little differently.  If you go to the carnival, you can go in the wheelchair and have Bill tool you around the grounds.  Have fun no matter what!

I am making arrangements for Richard's sister to visit next weekend.  She is here to speak with some people about publishing a book.  It will be the first time I meet her and it is exciting as she sounds like a very interesting woman.  We will be eating at Chakra in Beverly Hills for dinner since she is a vegetarian.  I am preparing to go down to San Diego tomorrow and staying until Monday.  I'd like to go to the SD zoo as it is supposed to be great as far as zoos go.  I do not really like zoos all that much because it makes me sad to see animals locked up for our enjoyment.  But, on the plus side, when an animal is near extinction, zoos have played a part in bringing them back by preserving thining animals, breeding them and then, releasing them back into the wild.  We might also go to Chino farms and pick up vegies for dinner and shoppingt the outlet mall or a Lilly shop in two locations!    I hope....!

Are you able to put pressure on your foot now with the boot on?  You mentioned going to Giant and so I figured you can do this.  That is good news.  As long as you are not wheelchair bound again, that is great.  I have layed of the exercises for a couple of days because the knee is so swollen and may go back on Aleve, shorten the treadmill time to 30 minutes and stop the recumbent bike and just do the wall slides for now.  Don't want to make matters worse and have to hold back from my desire to move forward to make some headway in this long arduous process of getting back some confidence in the legs.  That would be such a blessing!  Seems like life has been put on hold as far as doing things without always thinking first about what we can do, how much we can do and what to do to avoid more accidents.  LOL!  Like we are some old biddies, geesh!

I am avoiding the pool because of the highlights in the hair and thinking that walking is better as far as weightbearing and keeping the bones strong since the past year has been lightweight in this dept.  Icing after workouts now as the swelling remains.  Better days ahead for us and I hope you get better soon.  Let me know what the doctors have to say and ignore what the pt says about more surgery if you do not exercise as he/she wants you to do.  What an awful thing to say or to even think.  You already know how I feel about more surgery, forget it!  Ha, ha!  Take it easy and keep your chin up.  Have a relaxing weekend and enjoy your Mexican dinner!

Sincerely,
Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

Never will I agree to being an old biddie, HA HA Just because I feel like one at this pioint, I know it can't last much longer. Sounds like you are going to have an interesting weekend. Have a great time and remember to RICE.

When I go shopping, I don't wear the boot unless Bill drives, it is too big and bulky to drive with, but I use the motorized carts in most stores. If a store does't have them I find one that does. Today, I am limiting myself to some laundry and the dishwasher. Later we have to pick up the van from the garage, it needs a new exhaust system. We are hoping it gets done by tonight, if not I have to reschedule the foot doctor appointment for Tuesday and that's not something I want to do. I hate when cars need repairs, I am always the one that's stranded since Bill has to go to work.

WOW!! Richard's sister an author?? What type of book? I am sure you will like her. Hope your time with her is fun and enjoyable. I also hope she likes Chakra, that sounds like a nice place to eat. I have nener gone to a vegatarian resturant before. Bill would enjoy it, he loves veggies!!

As far as the carnival, hopefully by the middle of July I will have some relief and be able to walk around the fair grounds on my own steam. Bill usually goes with me if it is just the 2 of us but since Maureen will be here, we will just take the kids and Bill can enjoy some quiet HA HA I like watching Destiny on the rides, at 4 it is so exciting to them. Me, I like playing the games and when I get tired, I sit and play Bingo for awhile. I also love the doughboys, one of my favorite things to munch on at fairs. Beleive me I know my limits with this leg and foot and will not push it to the point of no return.

So, no pool because of the highlights? You are funny~~ I would love to try highlighting my hair but I haven't gotten that brave, maybe Maureen can do it for me when she gets here. I am afraid I'll miss some spots. Can you at least go in the shallow end and do some exercises?

I think I need to start the exercise program for my leg at home again. I need to strengthen the leg and just work on the foot at pt. Yes, the therapist is getting on my nerves, he keeps insisiting that it's all connected, meaning the leg and foot, NO KIDDING, but the doc said foot only in the pool nothing outside of the water as far as exercises and the therapist wants to put me on the treadmill. The treadmill was the piece of equipment that I was working on the first time I broke my foot. Does he really think I am going to try this again? People are nuts!! When something doesn't work I will avoid it at all costs. I can't wait till Tuesday, maybe I'll just tell the doc that therapy sucks and is not working. I really hate spending money on something that is so wasteful in my opinion. I don't know if I mentioned that they are also working on trying to get a Bone Stimulator for me. By working on, I mean the insurance company needed a letter of necessity and the person who handles this is waiting to hear. This piece of equipment requires that I wera it on my foot for 10 hours a day, they suggested bedtime and a few hours during the day. It is supposed to stimulate growth and improve the overall bone strength. We shall see.

I hope the swelling goes down and stays down for good real soon. That is such a pain in the neck. Seems that we have to carry ice packs wherever we go.

Have a great weekend in SD. Travel safely and I will talk to you when you get home. Have a great time shopping too!!

Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Morning Peggy!

Sitting here writing to you with a pulled back!  Had a great time in San Diego over the weekend, but pulled my back when I lifted my luggage onto my bed when I got home.    Hurts quite a bit whenever I try to bend, get up from a seated position or from bed.  Took some Aleve, have been icing and heating it since yesterday.  Drats!  When will this end?  LOL!  Swear we must be the most patient people in the world.  Was supposed to go visit the oncologist today, but cancelled because of this and have a treatment tomorrow that may have to cancelled as well it this doesn;t feel better by then.  Crossing my fingers!

Tried to go to the zoo but thng there is unbelievable.  We have tried once before but it is impossible to find parking.  The holiday weekend't helpbut even when it wasn't a holiday it is a problem to find parking there.  Maybe next time we will try to go when it opens to get a place to park.  Just relaxed and went to Pier 1 to buy some chairs for the dining table, tablecloth, placemats, napkins and scent diffuser.  It was nice to see it all put together.  Went for two wicker chairs and two director's chairs with colorful prints.  Looked nice for being right on the water.

Had dinner at Mille Fleurs but it wasn't that good...it was all the rage in its better days, but it has obviously changed.  Richard and I have become foodies even though we dislike them!     We will have to find a better place the next time, but we did find an excellent place for chop suey!  It was a restaurant that we had both been to before on Coronado Island called Asian Bistro.  It was the best chop suey made the old fashioned way with fried noodles, snow peas, onions, carrots, chicken, bean sprouts and an excellent soy sauce gravy.  Mmm!  So much for the diet but will try again this week!

Are you excited about Maureen and the children coming?  How are you doing with your foot?  What did the doctors have to say today?  I hope that it is good news and that it is just from not using it for some time.  Let me know how you are and what they say.  I hope you will be better as the days go by and are able to walk soon.  Are you in much pain?  Destiny will be cheering you along so you can go to the carnival with her!  This will be good for you to have them visit and you can let Maureen do acleaning, cooking and shopping while you enjoy the grandkids.  What fun!  Cannot wiat until i am a grandmother, it will be nice.

Yes, pt is expensive and if they are not doing any good why bother?  If they would just listen to you and do what you know you are able to do without injury, then it would make going a whole lot better.  You pay for their service and then listen to their chastising you.  The pool does sound like a good way to move your foot with gentle resistance.  You are such a brave soul and I am rooting for you! 

What is a doughboy?  Is it funnelcake?  Cupcakes are the rage lately and there are people lined up in front of bakeries that specialize in them here in LA.  Makes me laugh, they are so expensive and common.  My gf brought some back from NYC and by the time she got them here, they were all messed up!  Guess she went to this place that is famous for them and wanted her friends to have some!  She is a riot.

Is the machine you are waiting to get an e-stim?  Or, ultrasound?  Any info on it yet?  Sounds awful having to wear it for ten hours, but not so bad if while sleeping as long as it doesn't prevent you from sleeping.  Noting like a machine strapped to your foot and keeping you awake.  Oh the things we do to get better!

Well, my back is beginning to ache and I should move around a bit.  I will write again soon and check back to see how you are doing. Get better soon and it won't be long until your family is there!  Take care, Peggy.

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM from moving your luggage HUH HA HA after a weekend with your honey? Just teasing, I am so sorry to hear that you pulled your back out. That is the most painful thing you can do, it even beats out knee pain as far as I am concerned. Please take it eay and just go slow, I don't want to hear that you did more damage. Is your mattress a hard one that can give you better support and do you have one of those knee pillows to take the pressure off? If not I would highly suggest putting a couple of pillows under your knees for that. Bill has a pillow that looks kind of like a house with a slanted roof, I bought it for him years ago. He puts this under his knees sometimes for support when his back starts to ache. It really does work.

Sorry to hear that your plans fell thru as far as the zoo. The zoo here in PA has parking and you would not believe the price to park all day. I almost choked when I saw the price. It's the same at the Franklin Institute, one of my favorite places to go to. But the parking kills your wallet. Actually anywhere in Center City PA is outrageous. It's easier and cheaper to take a bus in town.

I have to ask,  what is a Foodie? Is that something like a conosouire? I know I spelled that wrong! Too bad the food at Mille Fleurs wasn't up to your expectations, you expect a good meal, know the costs and walk away disappointed. Not right in my opinion. Glad you enjoyed the Chop Suey:-) The heck with the diet LOL

Well, only 10 more days until we pick Maureen and the kids up. NOISEY!!!! That's how you spell kids by the way HAHA I guess I am feeling all kinds of emotions. Excitement and guilt that I feel sad that my peaceful excistance will be gone for about a year. I really enjoy quiet sometimes, so I guess I will just have to go hide up in my room. Otherwisw, it will be nice having them here. Bill and I are going to go after temporary custody for Kristian. The state feels that Maureen can't meet his needs having a special needs child and I think that's a bunch of crap. Other people in this world have special needs children and have other kids. She will have to get an attorney whenshe gets on her feet so we can turn Kristian over to her. Can you believe this? The carnival will be fun and Destiny is already talking about it. She had a really good time there last year. Doughboys are called Funnelcakes, so yes, we are talking about the same thing. I love them!!

Well went to the foot doc this morning and it seems the foot is making progess, but slowly. They ( I saw 2 of them this morning) took me out of pt, the therapist wasn't doing anything for my foot, and he wanted to start me on the treadmill. When I told the 1 doc that he almost had a fit. So no more therapy and I have to wear the boot for 3 more weeks and go see him in 3 weeks also. I do not have RSD and that is a blessing. The foot stimulator is kind of like ultrasound, no stim for me I hate it! I won't feel a thing. I hope it does't disturb my sleep, it's bad enough I lose sleep with the knee and foot now. Yes, I agree, the things we do to get better. What a pain in the ......

I hope you are feeling well enough to go and get your treatment. I would assume that they are a priority in your life and shouldn't be missed.

I cannot believe that cupcakes are so expensive. You can buy a box of cakemix for a dollar and make them yourself. I make them every now and then and freeze them. They are as fresh as the day I made them and such a nice treat. I like putting jimmies/sprinkles or coconut on mine. I guess I'll pick up some cakemix and icing for when I have a house full. Destiny is a popsickle fanatic, so I have to get some frozen treats for her too. I can just picture your friend carrying those cupcakes from NY, I bet even though they got a little mangled they were still tasty.

The weather here is hot and humid. So, I guess here comes summer. I can take the heat but the humidity is another story.

Well, I will say an extra prayer tonight for you my friend, so that your back  will give you enough relief to get to your treatment tomorrow and that your back heals quickly. Please be careful and don't pick anything up right now!

Have a good evening. I will talk to you soon.

Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Morning Peggy!

I wish it were true that I tweaked my back over something more exciting, but, no, it was from lifting luggage!     Which I am not going to be doing today when I leave for the weekend...I will let yhe luggare drop to the floor andask Richard to lift it into and out of the car as he usually does.  Back is much better and am going to be cautious this weekend and rest it but still get out to enjoy dinner at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills tonight!  Yum!  Alwaysthinking of good food and its no wonder my diet keeps on hold!  We have not gone to this restaurant before, but know a lot of celebrities go here, so maybe we will see one tonight?  That would be cool.  Taking a camera to have our photo taken as we haven't done that for awhile.  Looks like a nice place and hope that the food is good.

Rich's sister is in town today and is staying downtown.  We will get together tomorrow night for dinner at Chakra in BH...our favorite Indian place.  She is a vegetarian and lived in Nepal for years,so we figured this would be a good choice.  We are going shopping for her tomorrow in Century City to buy her a gift for her b-day on the 8th.  She is hoping to have a book published and I imagine it will be about her travels to Nepal and other east Asian regions where she collected folk art from places seldom seen.  She will be a very interesting woman to meet and am looking forward to seeing Richard's second favorite person on earth.  His words, not mine!   

Speaking of dining out, a foodie is a person who has a great interest in food...but, it can have connotations of a person who is snobbish on food.  Richard and I do not like the extremists in this group who focus so much on experimenting with food such as presenting a thimble full of soup in a test tube.  I am not kiddding, but, to  give credit, Ortolan who does this is one place that the food is fantastic and this only adds to the experience.  Nothing is worse than when a place does this type of thing and the food is mediocre.  In LA there are places like this and we enjoy seeing the presentation, but care much more about how the food tastes.  So, in a way, we have become foodies because we are always critical of the places where we dine.  We like to stay pretty classic and basic with food using only the freshest ingredients without it becoming too fussy and pretentious.  Last weekend we ate sandwiches at home for dinner!  LOL!

You must be real excited about the family coming soon.  I didn'tknow they were coming to live with you though!  Now I KNOW what you mean about the noise!  It is one thing to know your guests are staying for a definite time, but another when they stay indefinitely.  You are right to say you can just go to your room if you need to get away...as you will need at times just to take care of yourself and to have some privacy.  It is different when the visitor is your family who needs you and you will be fine.  I hope that Maureen finds some peace and relaxation away from NY and can relax, enjoy you and start a new life.  You and Bill are nice to do what you are doing for Kristian and Maureen.  Hope it all goes well and turns out to be a very wonderful time together.

Funnelcakes and doughboys....why did I know they might be the same thing?  You have mentioned them before and how much you love them, so perhaps thatght be a good reason!  You will have a good time at the carnival and hope that your foot is fully recovered by then.  If not, you can always have Maureen push you in a wheelchair.  So thrilled to know you do not have rsd...didn't think so, but, what the heck?  No matter what, just trust yourself and rehab accordiing to how you feel.  I am doing the same and lately, am aching all over with the ankle that was sprained a few years ago giving me pain and Achilles tendon tighness.  So, I understand your frustration and constant concern about your physical condition and trying to prevent more injury and setbacks.

Did the bone stimulator arrive yet?  I have heard about it and it sounds like a good idea.  Do you rent it or buy it?  Have been icing my knee and ankle everyday since the treatment takes a few days to really work.  Will see my oncologist next week and tell him about the pain from going without treatment every four weeks.  But, I do not want to have them even with the pain, so we shall see what he has to say. 

Need to start packing and hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Will check back next week and see how you are doing.  Take good care and soon your family will be there! 

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

Hope you had a great weekend and that your back didn't give you too much trouble. How was the food at Mr. Chows? Sounds like a fun place by the name. So, did you get together with Richard's sister? Well???.... What was she like? Did you enjoy the visit with her.

I have been busy trying to finish up baby proofing and cleaning the downstairs. I have the kitchen floor left and the 1/2 bath to do anf that's it. All day yesterday I dusted and vacumned, it took me all day. Lets not forget the endless laundry, where does it all come from? This morning I have to meet with the woman who will fit me for the bone stimulator. She will meet me at my doctors office and after I have to pick up Bill's pants at the cleaners and I am still looking for a summer hat for Destiny for when we are out planting.

This past weekend I picked up a flat of marigolds to plant with her. That's 48 plants, I will be a crazy person when this is over and I don't remember if I told you or not but our township was giving away trees and Bill picked up a Mountain Ash that he will plant with Destiny. So, she got her wish, flowers and a tree should keep her interested for a bit.

I guess I am not really a foodie although I do know what and where I like to eat. I can be fussy but not extreme. I would say I just like to eat HA HA

Yes, they are coming for an indefinite amount of time. I would guess about a year. Maureen is involved in a case suing the 2 hospitals on the baby's behalf and when that is over she will buy a small ranch style home that is handicap accessible. Come to find out that the hospital did not test her and the baby's blood for compatibility. So, she did not receive a shot of Rhogam to straighten this out and that could be one more thing that caused his problem, not to mention it was a dry birth and they both had infections afterwards. It is really an involved case and her lawyer is the top guy who works with a doctor turned lawyer who is very good also.  Like I said it's going to take about another year and we will be running to doctors appointments all summer long.

I planted more tomatoes, I even bought patio cherry ones for the deck. Bill finished putting the patio furniture on the deck and so we are almost all set. He still has to lug the grill out of the garage. My blueberry plants are doing fine, I can't wait to see what they do!! I also hung up a Hummingbird feeder, nothing yet but they are so neat and last year came right up to the plants I had on the deck so I am assuming they will find the feeder eventually.

I am sure that you will be a grandma soon and enjoy it with all your heart. Any date yet for when your son might get married?

How about Richard's kids, are any married, any grandkids? How are the plans coming for Paris? You must be so excited. I hear it is beautiful.

Yes, Funnelcakes are Doughboys I guess what they are called depends on where you live. They are definitely worth going to the fairs or carnivals. I also like playing all of the games. My days of going on the crazy rides are over.

Well Ei, I have to get ready to go over to the doctors office, this should prove interesting. I have to wear this apparatus in bed. They want it on my foot about 10 hours a day. I really don't know if I'll get 10 hours worth, since I don't stay in bed that long. But, we shall see what can be done.

Have a great day and I will talk to you soon.


Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Evening Peggy!

How are you doing?  What did the doctor have to say?  I sure hope it is good news and that the new machine is helping to heal the bones in your foot.  Bet you have been busy and enjoying your family!  Have they arrived?  And, how!  LOL!  You must tell me all about it when you steal off to your bedroom for some peace and quiet!    I donot know how I would be with children now, but I suppose one day I will find out when my son marries.  I am looking forward to it actually and like you, like be a doting grandmother.  How nice!

My back is getting much better but I have not been working out since it happened.  Hopefully next week I will begin again and try to get a grip on the dieting AGAIN.  LOL!  So bad.  The weather is warming up and is about 70 degrees in the day now.  The cacti are blooming and the garden is looking good.  How are you plants doing?  I think Destiny would like to have that tree planted and named after her!  Now it would be funny if her name was Ashley wouldn't it?  She will like planting the marigolds and picking them for a bouquet for the table.  Hope you are able to walk around a bit, how is that going now?  Are you going to pursue the pool exercises?  It costs so much just to go to that pool, so I understand why you might not be. 

Mr Chow was very good but I like the Asian Bistro that we went to on Coronado Island better!  It is not as expensive, but they have chow mein!  My favorite.  We did see Rob Reiner who sat two tables from us at Mr Chow...Meathead, remember him?  Hilarious.  He has become quite a good producer/director though.  There were a few people there who knew him so we guessed they were movie industry types, too.

Hope that Maureen's case goes well.  Lawsuits are so darned difficult to win.  So many frivolous lawsuits that the jurors are skeptical.  But, when there is a wrong done that could help others from having it happen to them, then it is worth pursuing.  It takes years for it to settle and go to trial, but all the while you suffer the consequences of the injury. 

Richard is coming up tomorrow and we are going to two new restaurants.  Foodie types, but hopefully just good food and no pretense.  Campanile for lunch where they are known for great food and their bakery breads.  Haven't eaten here before but heard it is good.  Dinner is at JiRaffe in Santa Monica...also heard this place is nice, too.  Will probably watch some dvds and just have a laid back weekend. 

Richard's sister was really an interesting woman.  She is selling her place up north to move to Nepal with her husband.  They lived there before for years and they will be retiring there.  She and her husband had done tours and treks for tourists to Nepal, Tibet and other far-flung places.  While she was traveling she would pick up local arts and crafts from the villages.  She has a huge collection now and has written a book beautifully illustrated with photos of the items with descriptions of their uses, and the meaning of the art and items.  She is into yoga and is Hindu.  She and Richard were from New England and were Congregationalists, but time has changed that for her!

Richard has four kids.  Two are married with kids...three toal.  He has twins that are college bound this year, so he be free of children finally!  It will be a huge relief for him to know they are grown and have flown the coop!     They are all good kids and the grandkids are very nice.  We have been invited to go vacation with them this summer to either the coast of Maine or the Cape.  I would love to do this but think maybe we might be best served to go to Englad/Paris instead.  We will have to discuss this as he might want to do both which would be fine with me!  The fares are going up so we might have to book soon.  We were planning to go to Paris in September so now we might have to make a commitment on this time to get the benefit of a lower fare.  The oil prices have gone up so high that it is affecting everything.  We are in a recession I think.   
I am paying $4.4+ a gallon now...supreme.  Think it will go to $5 this summer.

Well you may not be going to the carnival for the rides any more, but I do know what else is just as good to you!  Funnelcakes!  They sound yummy!  You are like me, I will go to the movies just because of the popcorn, a good movie is incidental.  We are a riot!  Too bad we didn't live closeby as we would be going to the carnival and movies just to eat!  Oink, oink!

Well, must get ready for tomorrow and curl my hair before bed, ice my knee and do some wall slides.  While in the Marina del Rey tonight getting a Pinkberry frozen dessert I parked next to a professional football player who once played for Detroit.  He was driving the most outrageously gorgeous Lambourghini!  He went to get dinner at Chipotle and I sat in my car and ate.  He came back out and waved goodbye...a handsome nice fellow!  He must live in Marina.  Lakers lost to the Celtics Thursday.  Boo hoo!  I am rooting for Lakers of course and think it would be major if they could pull it off.

Take good care, tell me how the new foot gadget is working out and how you are doing with the family!  Hope you are enjoying yourselves and Look forward to hearing from you Peggy.

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

Again, so sorry for taking so long to get back to you. It has been a busy, busy week!! We picked Maureen and the kids up last Saturday and boy was it hot. Upper 90's and so humid, then this weather continued for 3 more days, YUCK!! Sunday I took her to get diapers and she needed some shorts to hang around in so that took up most of the day. Monday and Tuesday she put things away and put the kids in the pool. Wednesday we went and did a major food shopping. So, it has been constant around here.

My foot is getting worse, apparantly the machine gets the blood moving and causes it to swell, which they are considering normal. It is double in size by the afternoon. It hurt like hell last night but like I said the doc's office said it's normal and to keep plugging away with the machine. I go see them again next week. Will keep you posted.

Glad to see that your back is feeling better, sorry to hear that it's stopping you from exercising the leg, we just can't seem to win. When 1 thing hurts it truly affects other parts and makes you miserable.

Forget the diet Ei, just try and cut back. I gave up on dieting years ago, it seems the less you eat, the more you eat after the weight does come off and then wham, the weight comes back with a vengence and there's more added. Go figure.

So you saw Rob Reiner, he is hilarious.

Yes, law suits can be a pain in the neck. I am hoping it goes well also, the lawyer did tell her that she had nothing to worry about and that the baby will be taken care of for life. Whatever that may mean, we don't know yet. I am hoping that it is settled before the year is up but theses things can drag out for a long time. Her lawyer seems to think that once he gets all the medical records it will move along fast. Apparantly they are suing 2 hospitals, one Maureen went to for prenatal and the other for delivery. The prenatal never included the shot of Rhogam, this is for the blood cpmpatibility between mother and child. This could have cause problems for him also. I do know the lawyer is going after lifetime medical too. I will let you know how this progresses.

Glad you enjoyed the visit with Richard's sister, sounds like she's had an interesting life. Hope all goes well with ther book deal. What would it be like to be a world traveler? Guess it wouldn't be for me, I like some sort of stability. I like knowing where my pillow is at night HA HA. Gess I am a boring person HA HA.

Yes, we could pig out at the carnivals, not a bad idea LOL I do have to admit, I miss some of the rides, I am worse than a kid :-)

I have seen where the air fares are going up. Get that ticket now for Paris!! Who knows maybe you'll get a better deal if the airlines start to take a hit from this mess. You can never tell what will happen. So Richard has a couple of grandchildren, there you go, step Grandma. Do you and Richard get to see them? Do they live on the East coast? Is that why Maine or the Cape is a possible visit? Have you ever been there? I love both places.

Explain the Pinkberry desert, it sounds good. Is it like a water ice? A water ice is a icy treat that comes in all kinds of flavors. My favorite is a chocolate/vanilla mix. Had one on Wednesday.

Hope your weekend was fun and this one is too. Bill has to work tomorrow and will take Monday off. He really needs to take alot of stuff to the landfill, weeds, trash etc...My garage looks like a tornado went thru it. What a mess!

Me, I am just going to catch up on laundry and ironing. Sounds like fun HUH? Maureen will be outside with the kids, they are having a good time in the pool. Maybe we'll cook out and just hang out on the deck. Who knows> All I know is that I have to take time out to put my foot up with the machine on it for a couple of hours.

Have a great weekend and looking forward to hearing from you.

Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Morning Peggy!

You need not apologize for not writing sooner!  It is good that you are busy with your family and it is expected that you are not doing the same ole same ole.  Sounds like you are having a good time with the kids, but I hope by the time you read this that your foot is feeling better.  Are you able to ice it to bring down the swelling from the machine?  What is it called?  Have you seen any results yet other than the swelling?  The things we have to go through before the good stuff begins to happen.  I am sorry to hear that your foot has been hurting you so badly.  It is awful enough that you cannot walk as you would like, but to have pain on top of it is just plain wicked.  I will say prayers for you, Peggy.

My back is better and will hit the gym today at last.  Seems every time we get on a roll, something seems to trip us up.  Will do less treadmill this time so as not to irritate my ankle, etc.  Have been icing everyday and it seems to help more than when the hardware was in with the swelling. For the first time, there is some definition in the knee area!  It has been so swollen for over a year that this seems like progress...of sorts.  LOL!

Nowadays travel sounds nice, but the reality is just feeling better would be even better.  We plan to go to Martha's Vineyard in the first week of August.  Richard's kids have rented a house for two weeks and we plan to rent a minibus and maybe a Mini Cooper convertible for tooling around the island.  It will be fun to see his grandchildren, a new place and to explore the shops!  They have two of favorite shops there that will be great to see.  Also, the beaches sound beautiful as well as the place in general.

We went to the Huntington Library this past weekend.  The museum had been closed due to renovations and it is now completed.  The place has some fine art and the renovations are lovely.  We had high tea in the Tearoom next to the rose garden which we enjoyed, but that will be the last of high teas for some time as we have pledged to lose weight now!  I visited the greenhouse there that had some out of this world looking cacti and succulents!  The curator was not there though wich was too bad because there are questions that I would have liked to have asked.

Yes, I have met Richard's grandchildren and his children.  He sees them at least once a year, more like two times if he has business in Boston.  One of his sons lives in Massachusetts and the other in New Mexico.  He has three grandchildren and they are great kids.  I am looking forward to hanging out with them on the island and getting to know them better.  I think the grandchildren will be the most fun though and we plan to take them places and have fun!

Wow!  I almost lost everythign I wrote!  I did write more but saved everythign up until the last paragrahand then when I went to review this, there was not a button available at thttom after review to send!  Yikes, what a scare.  Well, instead of rewriting the extra paragraphs over now, I will send this off to you before this goes down!  Take good , Peggy, I am rooting for you and hoping that you are getting better.  Let me know please.  Have a wonderful week with the family!

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

OH!!!!!!! I am so jealous that you are going to Martha's Vineyard :-) It is one of my favorite places. Don't forget to eat some cramy clam chowder and clam fritter while you are there. They are to die for!! I am sure you will have a great time. I am slos sure that you have sun with the grandkids. They can keep you running.

I had a doctors appointment and he is pleased that the bone that was broken a few weeks ago actually looks thicker, more dense. I still have to wear the boot when I am in the house doing stuff, I haven't really worn it because of the heat and I told him that. The machine I have is called a bone stimulator. It's a coil that 's wrapped with some type of material that straps around my foot. It looks like a circle that's opened in the middle. The ankle sticks out kind of from the middle and the rest of the circle hits the other bones and the machine sends out waves, kind of like an ultasound. I have to wear it for 10 hours a day and possibly for 9 months depending on the results that I get. I also have to start wearing one of those stocking type things to help with the swelling, the swelling has gotten really bad, in the evening you cannot see my ankles. He wants to see if it's the machine making it swell, which is possible since it's getting the blood to flow in my foot, or if the veins are the problem which would be another PROBLEM on it's own. I go back in 3 weeks so we'll see what happens. BTW, ice isn't an option since they want the blood to flow. But I still have some pain meds for really bad nights.

Glad to hear that your back feels better and that you are going to start your exercises again. Go slow that's all and protect that back. You have too many fun filled plans coming up to reinjure your back or ankle.

The Library sounds like it was an interesting place to visit and I know how you enjoy those High Teas. Someday maybe I'll do a Tea in the afternoon.

As far as my family, yes I am enjoying them but I am doing too much. I cannot continue to run like a mad woman. I am not ready and pushing it takes it's toll. I can't believe a broken kneecap could take so much from a person. I remember when.....

I still haven't heard from Disability, no news is supposed to be good news but I am not holding my breath especially with the government. I just wish I could work a few days a week. I never heard back from that school that I applied at for a teaching assistant. That in itself is a shame., It is so close and I'd make a great assistant, let alone great instructor. OH Well, their loss! The hours were 8-1 M-F it would have been perfect since they close when the weather gets bad so I really think I could have done that.

I broke out in a rash again this time it's from the armpit halfway down my side. My eyes are also inflammed and the left one is worse than the right. I don't know if it was from planting flowers or eating something that didn't agree with me. I really can't win somedays. I am so itchy especially my eyes and I keep rinsing them and I have Bill put drops in when he's here. Needless to say, no makeup for me for a few days. I hope by Saturday my eyes are better, we are going to Bill's cousin's graduation party and I don't want to scare anyone LOL

I have learned from experience that you can lose posts very easily. Before you hit the post button copy the letter and if you get knocked off you can just go into to the original subject and paste it. I do that now autoimatically. I got tired of having to retype messages or longer letters.

I think it's going to storm here this afternoon. It's very windy and the sun keeps going in. That will save Maureen and Bill from having to water the trees and plants. Bill planted the tree with Destiny and told her the trees name is Destiny. She thought that was great but soon lost interest., I told him she's only 4 and that when we were planting flowers last week she would rather throw the dirt in the air than in the pots, so what can you do HA HA That a kid for ya!!  I just hope that when she gets older she'll want to garden, it is so much fun and exciting when your flowers pop up or your veggies are ripe for the picking.

Well friend, I have to get going and get dinner started. Maureen deceided to mop the kitchen floor at the worse time but it needed it since the kids are messy little creatures HA HA

Hope you have a great pain free week, don't push too hard and have a wonderful weekend with Richard.

Peggy

[peggy1]

Ei,

That's creamy not cramy clam chowder. Didn't spell check!

Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Good Evening Peggy!

Very happy to hear that the bone stimulator may be working!  After all, you are putting the gadget on your foot a lot and suffering with the selling...so, it makes it much more bearable I would imagine.  Hopefully, by the time you go back in a few weeks, it will have healed nicely and you will be abletop using the machine.  Geesh!  The things we go through to get better!  I will pray and keep my fingers crossed that the veins are not the cause of the swelling...but, couldn't blame them if they are being squeezed around the clock!  Maybe elevating the foot might help to relieve the swelling and if you are able to take Aleve, that might be an idea, too.  Keep me abreast of the latest and keep your chin up, Peggy! 

Did you hear about Tiger Woods knee?  He should have laid low and not played even though he won the game last week.  He played through two stress fractures, two mos post-op from knee surgery to clean up behind his patella I think and maybe some ligament damage.  He is out for the rest of the year now that he will be going in for ACL surgery and a very long rehab.  I feel for him, he is in for a very long haul.  At least he can think back about his victory, but was it worth it?  I wonder.....since we have been through so much it seems unlikely.  There is nothing like good health and knees demand your attention or you will pay!  LOL!   

I have not been to the gym yet this week, but have been going out every day and walking a bit looking at stores, window shopping and buying a few items as well!  Of course!  But, have cut back on eating and want to get into this habit and then begin exercising along with it.  Richard and I are both on a diet and he has been real good running and going for fast walks almost daily.

Heard that Richard's other two kids may want to join us in Martha's Vineyard...but, it will be a pakced house if they come along too.  Eleven people in a 3 bedroom house.  He said the the 18 year olds can camp out in a tent or sleep on the floor!  Not sure how good an idea this is but if we stay for just a couple of days, it will be fine....I hope!  Have never been there before and am looking forward to seeing a new place that sounds lovely.  And, yes, we plan on eating lobster and fried clams, etc.  There goes the diet!  Hee hee!

You better play it low key for awhile.  You sound like you may overdo it and then not be able to do the things you would hope to do with the family.  It is easier said than done though because with kids, you always feel like you have to be doing something for them.  Try to let Maureen take care of them and give your foot a break so you can heal those bones!  It would be great if you could get past this setback and begin moving ahead.  Saying those prayers and rooting for you, Peggy!

Have you figured out the rash situation?  How irritating to not know what caused it and to think you will have to endure this as well as using the darn machine on the foot!  What a pain in the butt.  Hope it is gone by the time you go to the graduation this Saturday.  My nephew is having a graduation today with an ice cream social afterwards!  How cute!  I am not going as he is 8 years old!  Alittle too young for this, but I think the whole idea is terrific.  Anything to have fun, celebrate and enjoy the family together is nice.  Both nephews are brilliant kids and the one that is graduating today is on the "President's Honor Roll?"  Not sure if this is right, but it had the word presdient in it.  LOL!  The youngest is getting two awards in excellence also.  Smart little kids, my sis-in-law was very hands-on with the boys, they are multi-lingual from when they began learning to speak.  She taught them abc's as some of the first words they could speak, too.

Oh!  I am glad to hear Destiny loved the idea of the ash being called Destiny!  What a nice thing to do and later when she is older, it will have much more meaning to her and she will always look at that tree with an appreciation knowing that you planted it for her.  I wish I could do the same for some of these oak seedlings I planted last year.  They are ready to go into the ground but no homes.  Maybe I will take it to my brother's and see if he wants to plant one in his front yard.  The acorns are a hassle though when you want to mow the lawn and you can slip on those little acorns and break a knee.  LOL!  I always think like that nowadays!  Pathetic.

Itis heating up good here now.  In the upper 70s today and looks like into the 80s this weekend.  Don't know what Richard and I will do this weekend but maybe we can drive up the coast and have lunch in Malibu on the water.  Or, a picnic, with lots of non-fat food.  Whoppee, not!

Just wanted to check in and say that I am thrilled that the bones are healing and to remind you not to overdo it.  Let me know how things are going and what the kids are up to.  Have fun and take good care!

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

I couldn't get back any sooner because I had an allergic reaction to God knows what and my eyes swelled and were so puffy that all was a blur for a few days. I haven't a clue what caused this but I will tell you that it's getting on my nerves every time I turn around it is something else! You should have seen this one, eyes half closed, tearing, puffed out etc... Didn't stop me from the party though we went and had a nice time.

My foot seems to be behaving itself, as a matter of fact I am giving it a break today from the stocking to see what happens, keep your fingers crossed for me. I actuaually walked over to my neighbors house this past Sunday, about 200 yards, she had a food tasting party. It was FUN!! Ordered alot of different things to try on my crew. Billy walked with me, I made it but grabbed the first chair when I went into the house. At least I walked a bit, felt it later but I guess that's just part of it.

From using the cane and the pressure on my left arm, my elbow on the inside is acting up and hurts like crazy, like you said we just can't win.

All's well here, today we are going to see if we can register Destiny in summer camp at the Y. They have a program that helps with finances, as Maureen is not working and lo and behold her husband has not sent her a cent in the past 2 weeks. Nice guy!! I figured as much but you would think he would want to take care of his kids. He is all talk and no action. Guess Maureen is in for a fight and will go after him through the Support Enforcement agency. I love how these guys just ignore their kids once they are out of sight.

Martha's Vineyard will be so nice for you to visit, but all those people?? Can you and Richard get a room someplace at this late date? I love lobster and fried clams too, the hell with the diet ha ha . Just have a great time.

Looks like me and Bill's Aunt will be going down the shore in August. I got 2 certificates for the Borgata casino in the mail. All you need to do is sign up at the casino and you get 50 dollars to play on any 1 slot machine, can't beat that and if I can find a show to see, we may stay over. I haven't been down there in 3 years and I am looking forward to it. I won't be walking on the boardwalk much but will do what I can. After this I will probably need rehab badly LOL

Seems like the kids adjusted fine, they are sleeping and eating good and they are also outside a great deal. Last year I bought them a kiddee pool and they are both enjoying it alot. Maureen took the baby's diaper off one day last week and he was skinny dipping, he loves the water, he has swim trunks but... Destiny is a water rat and she is just having a great time in the pool and going out on the deck to eat or color with her Dora backpack that she takes everywhere.

Bill is working long hours and is exhausted when he gets home. He is trying to keep up with the mowing but with this crazy weather, hot one day, rainy the next, it is a tad bit out of control. One good thing Maureen loves to mow. She works on her tan :-)

Me, I just take a coffee outside and sit, the plants are all in and the veggies are growing nicely. So, I guess my work is done HA HA. Now for the fruits of my labor.....

Can't wait to see how the blueberry plants make out,. they are growing but I don't have any berries yet.

Hope your brother can take a plant or 2 off your hands. I understand the acorn threat though. I guess alot of things are a threat to us now, I always find myself looking down when I am walking. My thing now is all the toys!!!

Yes, I heard about Tiger Woods, I don't know how people continue to use their limbs when they are in pain like that. I would assume it was worth it for him though, how many millions did he take home> Guess he can afford to just sit and recoup for awhile.

Well, I hope you and Richard have a nice weekend. we are just hanging around the house and I am not complaining about that. Sometimes it's just too much to get out and about.

I guess walking and shopping is as good as the gym, at least you are getting to move the leg and the benefits of shopping are always a plus!

Well, I better get going and make some coffee, I hear movement upstairs. I have been getting up with Bill to make his lunches for the past couple of weeks, he's been so swamped, he's eating at his desk. So, I have been getting up at 6am, by noon I need a nap and that's when I put the stimulator on for a few hours. It seems to be working so I will continue to be faithful with it.

Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon.

Peggy

[LaCaliUSA]

Hi Peggy!

I just got my computer up from not working for over a week!  It went down immediately after the repair man came and "fixed" it earlier in the week, but to make a long story short...that is why I have not written sooner!  Just wanted to get this out to you and let you know before this thing goes down again!     I am sooo sick of waiting for Timer Warner to get someone to fix this and the land line!  Yes, no land line either for over a week, fortunately there is the cell phone, etc.  I will write again very soon, I hope!  Happy 4th  July, I will try to get back to you asap!  Until then, take care of your foot, rash, elbow and have fun with the family this weekend!

Sincerely,

Ei

[peggy1]

Hi Ei,

No computer and no land line, talk about a fish out of water!!


Yes, I know it's taken forever to get back to you. My life has not been the same since Maureen and the kids got here. We have been taking care of alot of odds and ends and the running around seems to be going on forever!! I am tired! We got Destiny in the summer camp at the Y She goes 3 days a week for a 1/2 day session, she started yesterday (Tuesday ) and loves it. Boy, is it quiet with her in camp. She constantly talks and acts more like 40 than 4 HA HA Her vocabulary is amazing to say the least. The baby is so good, he makes alot of noise but is happy go lucky. We are in the process of getting him evaluated for therapy thru the state, this shouldn't take long and I will be glad when the therapy starts again as he still cannot walk or talk and he will be 4 in October. I just hope and pray he can learn so he can communicate with us. They will teach him sign languge if he cannot talk and then we will all have to learn. So you can guess it's been a little busy here. As for Kristian, the state will do a home study here and if Maureen aces that, this is a long story and a joke, he will be able to come live here. That boy has been thru too dam much, he is 12 and has been away from us for 6 years

My foot seems to be healing and the bones are becoming denser which is such a plus. The osteroporosis is very bad and that is a major concern. The foot doc put me on anti inflammatory meds for the next 10 days, with 1 refill. The bone stimulator is a pain in the neck. The nurse gave me a different coil for my foot yesterday, she met me at the doctors office, and this one is a little more uncomfortable than the other but since the swelling seems to be subsiding, the 1st once moves up my ankle after being on for awhile and the treatment isn't getting to the correct spot. I wear the appliance at night so the majority of the hours are used up when I sleep, the other few hours are saved for a nap. I can walk around with it but it is not a good idea as it will move and I will spend my time adjusting it.

The weather here has been hot and humid, this makes me cranky but it's better than snow.

My garden is doing okay although I do not have 1 tomato growing on 5 plants, this is making me think that maybe these plants have some type of disease. There's buds, alot of them, but no fruit. Go figure. All the flowers are doing great and Bill just bought me 2 gorgeous ceramic planters for the deck and repotted the marigolds, they really look sharp.

Next Monday, if it doesn't rain, we are going to go cherry picking, even Bill, he wants me to make some cherry pies. This should be fun and pretty interesting too. HA HA

We didn't do anything special over the 4th. Just sat out on the deck and some neighbors shot off fireworks so we watched that from the deck.

Thanks for the pictures of your artwork, BEAUTIFUL!!!  Do you show them in any galleries out there? If not, maybe you should consider it?? They are amazing. I can't draw a straight line but Maureen and AJ draw. What a talent to have.

What else have you been up to? Are you getting ready for your trip to the East coast? What about Paris? How is your knee doing and did you get back int he pool yet?

BTW, disability turned me down and so I had to get a lawyer. He told me it takes about a year for the appeal and I will have to go in front of the Judge. Sounds like alot of fun but I am following thru. It's really not like I can walk or stand for long periods of time anymore and so the fight goes on. I really think the government sucks, putting people thru such hassles. And what gets me is that if I was a junkie, I could get it in a heartbeat. Maybe I should start using drugs HA HA.

The allergy symptoms disappeared as quick as it came, have no idea what that was all about. I don't mind a rash but when your eyes swell and you can't see, that is not a pleasant feeling. But, I am now back to normal, whatever norm is for us :-)


Well Ei, I have to get ready to pick up Destiny, it's a rainy, hot and humid day here, so the kids are in and I will have to escape later and take a nap. Hope you are having a good week. 
Will talk to you soon,

Peggy